Your Guide To Earning A Master's In Nutrition – Forbes Advisor

Where To Earn A Nutrition Degree Online In 2024

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Nutrition is a key component of daily life for people of all ages. Some have trouble managing their nutritional intake or family members' dietary habits. People may struggle with overeating, nutritional deficiencies or other health conditions related to their food choices. Nutritionists and dieticians provide coaching and insights to help promote healthier lifestyle choices.

Depending on their specific role, nutrition professionals must complete formal nutrition or dietetics education, such as an online bachelor's degree in nutrition. Along with improving diet habits and delving into food science, these programs may feature business coursework for aspiring entrepreneurs in the culinary space.

This guide looks into nutrition bachelor's degrees available online and unpacks course delivery methods, financial aid, accreditation and tuition costs for online nutrition degrees.

Our Methodology

We scored one accredited, nonprofit college offering an online nutrition degree program in the U.S. Using 16 data points in the categories of credibility, affordability, student outcomes, student experience and application process. We pulled data for these categories from reliable resources such as the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System; private, third-party data sources; and individual school and program websites. Data is accurate as of January 2023.

We scored schools based on the following categories:

Student Outcomes:

Overall graduation rate

Median earnings 10 years after graduation

Pell Grant recipient graduation rate

Retention rate

Pell Grant graduation rate vs. Overall graduation rate

Affordability:

Average annual net price for students receiving federal aid

Median federal student loan debt

Percentage of students in federal student loan deferment

Percentage of students who take out federal loans

Student Experience:

Student-to-faculty ratio

Socioeconomic diversity

Program being ranked has 100% coursework available online

Credibility:

Fully accredited

Nonprofit status

Application Process:

Acceptance rate

Uses Common App

We listed the only school in the U.S. That met our ranking criteria.

Find our full list of methodologies here.

Arizona State University Digital Immersion

Students can pursue an online bachelor's degree in nutrition through Arizona State University's (ASU) Digital Immersion program. In addition to food-related coursework, this Bachelor of Applied Science in food and nutrition entrepreneurship includes core business classes, preparing graduates to launch, manage, and market culinary enterprises.

ASU uses primarily asynchronous coursework, allowing students to complete assignments on their own schedules. This program also delivers experiential learning through a 60-hour practicum.

Depending on part-time or full-time enrollment status, ASU may offer flat-rate tuition for online students. In-state and out-of-state learners pay the same $563 per-credit tuition for up to 11 credits. At the 12-credit threshold, in-state students pay lower tuition than out-of-state learners.

At a Glance

School Type: PublicApplication Fee: $70Degree Credit Requirements: 120 creditsProgram Enrollment Options: Accelerated, part-time, full-timeNotable Major-Specific Courses: Food service purchasing, development of healthy cuisinesConcentrations Available: Pre-dietetics, community nutrition, food servicesIn-Person Requirements: Yes

How To Find the Right Online Bachelor's Degree in Nutrition for You Consider Your Future Goals

As you research bachelor's degrees in nutrition with online coursework, examine your professional goals to find your ideal pathway.

For example, working as a nutritionist typically requires a relevant bachelor's degree. Registered dietitians must hold a bachelor's degree in nutrition and earn state licensure. If you plan to pursue these roles after graduation, prioritize programs that offer experiential learning opportunities, like internships or supervised professional work.

Though state requirements vary, registered dietitians and nutritionists may need a certain number of professional hours to qualify for certification or licensure. As of January 1, 2024, aspiring registered dietitian nutritionists must have a master's degree accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics to qualify for the credential's certification exam.

If you plan to pursue a master's degree in nutrition, consider researching universities offering undergraduate and graduate programs that align with your goals. Schools may sometimes provide tuition discounts for alums, along with welcoming admissions policies.

Understand Your Expenses and Financing Options

Pursuing higher education requires a significant financial investment, including at the bachelor's level. Luckily, you can seek several sources of funding to lower your overall burden. For a look into average costs for an undergraduate education, consider data from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES).

As of the 2021–22 academic year, NCES reporting indicates that four-year public schools charged an annual average of $9,596 in tuition and fees. In this same period, students at private four-year schools paid significantly more, on average, in tuition and fees: $34,041 annually.

The only program on this list, Arizona State University Digital Immersion, charges $714 in tuition and fees per credit, but full-time, in-state learners can save by taking 12 or more credits at a time. For example, the university estimates that a student taking 15 credits per semester pays $7,540 annually in tuition and fees, making for a yearly total of $15,081.

Financial aid can come from independent lenders, educational institutions or the government. To see your eligibility for funding, start by filling out the FAFSA, which determines students' eligibility for financial aid, including federal loans and grants.

Loans from independent organizations or the federal government carry interest and require repayment. Though they can provide short-term financial support, you must begin repaying them after graduation. Other funding options, like scholarships and grants, do not require repayment.

Schools and providers award grants and scholarships based on academic achievement, identity or need. For example, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Foundation offers individual scholarships ranging from $500 to $25,000 for nutrition students.

Should You Enroll in a Bachelor's Degree in Nutrition Online?

Though online programs can offer benefits over traditional, in-person learning, consider your personal learning style to know whether they will work for you. Online learning may occur through several delivery methods, including synchronous, asynchronous and hybrid modalities.

Synchronous learning includes set class times, requiring you to stream live lectures and participate in real-time class discussions. If you have other obligations that create a busy schedule, it can be difficult to carve out time to dedicate to this type of virtual learning. However, you may benefit from the structured curriculum.

Asynchronous learning does not include specific class times. Students receive deadlines over a semester and must complete assignments on their own time. Though this method provides the greatest level of freedom, learners must have strong time management, organization and motivation to stay on top of coursework.

Hybrid college classes blend online learning with in-person requirements. Before committing to a hybrid program, make sure that you can make it to campus as necessary.

Accreditation for Online Bachelor's Degrees in Nutrition

Simply put, college accreditation ensures you receive a top-level education. The accreditation process requires schools, and sometimes their programs, to undergo a voluntary evaluation by a third-party agency. Accrediting bodies consider factors like curricular offerings, student resources and outcomes data.

Institutional Accreditation

You should only consider schools with institutional accreditation. With this status, you can qualify for federal student aid, credit transfers between schools and admission into graduate programs. The following accreditors are among those recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) to evaluate entire colleges and universities:

WASC Senior College and University Commission

New England Commission of Higher Education

Middle States Commission on Higher Education

Higher Learning Commission

Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities

Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

To check on a school's accreditation status, use CHEA's searchable database.

Programmatic Accreditation

The primary accreditor for nutrition programs is the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND). This organization recognizes undergraduate and graduate programs in these two fields, along with internships and practicum experiences. Starting in 2024, students must complete an ACEND-accredited master's program to qualify for the registered dietitian nutritionist certification.

ACEND maintains a directory of accredited programs. Use this tool to see whether your prospective degree program is ACEND-accredited.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Earning a Nutrition Degree Online Is an online nutrition degree worth it?

Online nutrition degrees have the same level of prestige as in-person programs as long as they are accredited. For aspiring nutritionists, an online bachelor's degree in nutrition can be a worthwhile venture. As of May 2022, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a median income of $66,450 for dietitians and nutritionists, exceeding the median for all occupations by more than $20,000.

What degree is best for a nutritionist?

Nutritionists typically need a bachelor's degree in nutrition or a related subject to work in the field. Some states also require licensure or certification, depending on the role.

What is the difference between a nutritionist and a dietitian?

The primary difference between nutritionists and dietitians lies in their scope of practice. Along with performing all of the responsibilities of nutritionists, registered dietitians can diagnose and treat medical conditions, while nutritionists cannot. Registered dietitians more commonly need certification, while nutritionist credentials vary by state.

Is nutrition an easy degree?

Regardless of the major, degrees in higher education require strong dedication and commitment. The difficulty of a nutrition degree likely depends on your interests and academic ambition.

Is a dietitian the same as a nutritionist for weight loss?

Both dietitians and nutritionists can assist with your weight loss goals. However, dietitians typically possess formal credentials and assist clients with health conditions like diabetes, kidney disease or heart disease.

RD Approved Program

Saturated Fat

< 0.5g – condiments< 3g – snacks, apps, soups, desserts< 5g – entrees, milk < 6g – sandwiches 

Sodium

< 60mg – condiments< 250mg – snacks, apps< 600mg – soups< 700mg – entrees< 750mg – sandwiches< 200mg – desserts

Added Sugar

Added Sugar< 1g – condiments< 4g – snacks, apps, soups< 8g – entrees, sandwiches< 12g – desserts 

Nutrition And Dietetic Internship Program

Announcements

Join us for an information session on October 26 at 12p m ET to learn about the education and career requirements needed to become a registered dietitian. This session will cover the new master's degree requirement, internship details, and the program offerings at WMU to support your registered dietitian journey.

The Western Michigan University Dietetic Internship will be hosting 2 virtual open houses for the Spring 2024 DICAS matching. They will be held:

Thursday, January 11, 2024 from 4-6 pm (EST)

Please contact Meghan Wilkinson (meghan.Wilkinson@wmich.Edu) to RSVP or for additional information 

Effective January 1, 2024, the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) will require a minimum of a master's degree to be eligible to take the credentialing exam to become a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN). In addition to the master's degree, CDR will continue to require (1) completion of an Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) accredited Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) that most dietetics students complete as undergraduates, and (2) completion of an ACEND accredited dietetic internship.  The WMU dietetic internship program satisfies this second requirement.  Completion of WMU's master's program in Family and Consumer Sciences with emphasis in dietetics will satisfy the master's requirement. In order to be approved for registration examination eligibility with a bachelor's degree, an individual must meet all eligibility requirements and be submitted into CDR's Registration Eligibility Processing System (REPS) before 12:00 midnight Central Time, December 31, 2023. More information can be found at CDR's website: https://www.Cdrnet.Org/graduatedegree.

Applicants: Please note that the WMU Nutrition and Dietetic Internship Program does not contact any applicants to conduct interviews.

Program Overview

This program is offered in-person.

The Nutrition and Dietetics internship program participates in DICAS, the Dietetic Inclusive Centralized Application System. Application deadline for WMU, DICAS, and D&D Digital is Wednesday, February 15, 2024. Current WMU seniors may be eligible for the pre-selection process.

WMU's Dietetic Internship is a post-baccalaureate program that is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND). ACEND is the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics' accrediting agency for education programs. Recognized by the United States Department of Education, ACEND assures the quality of nutrition and dietetics education programs for students and the public. 

WMU accepts up to 10 interns each Spring. During the program, interns will complete a series of experiences that will enable them to enter the work force with at least entry-level competence in dietetics. Upon completion of the program, graduates are eligible to take the Commission on Dietetic Registration's credentialing exam to become a registered dietitian nutritionist.

WMU's dietetic internship provides well-rounded supervised practice experiences in clinical and long-term care, community nutrition, food service management, wellness, and school food/nutrition.  The program's concentration area is in sustainable food systems. 

Individualized learning opportunities are also provided through independent projects and an elective two-week rotation.

Graduate courses start in Summer II. The internship practicum begins in late August and finishes in late May of the following year. The remaining graduate courses must be taken and can be completed within 18-24 months of starting the master's degree. These courses can be taken online and can be taken anywhere there is internet access.

Upon completion of the internship, interns will have earned 18 hours of graduate credit toward the completion of a Master's degree in Nutrition and Dietetics as shown below.

ApplicatioN Process PRE-SELECTION

Why the Dietetics Internship Program at Western Michigan University

Program completion rate of 100% over five years

Average pass rate of 95.7% on Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) exam within one year of first attempt (2017-2021) 

80% of graduates employed in dietetics or related field within 12 months of graduation

Graduate satisfaction rating of 4.4/5 of "met expectations" or "satisfied with match" (2017-2021) 

Note: other program outcome data is available per request.

Mission, goals and philosophy

The mission of the Western Michigan University Dietetic Internship Program is to prepare self-directed entry-level nutrition professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to practice as competent registered dietitian nutritionists in diverse and changing health care, community, and food service environments. 

WMU DI program goals are that upon successful completion of the Western Michigan University dietetic internship program, graduates:

Are competent for entry-level practice as registered dietitian nutritionists in all core performance areas; 

meet employment needs and opportunities in dietetics, nutrition, health, and food in Michigan and beyond.

The WMU Dietetic Internship Program seeks to: help students build on the knowledge already gained in meeting the academic requirements of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, provide opportunities for the application of that knowledge in a variety of settings, and develop the clinical and management skills essential for quality dietetics practice. The program includes both supervised practice and didactic opportunities in clinical nutrition (acute care and long-term and-community care), community nutrition, food service management, wellness, and school food and nutrition. A one-to-one preceptor-student ratio enables interns to build skills and achieve core competencies for the RDN required by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND). 

WMU's internship provides a concentration in Sustainable Food Systems. This is integrated into the current core curriculum where possible.  More information on this is located later in this manual. 

Program objectives

The WMU Dietetic Internship Program objectives are:

At least 80% of the interns complete program requirements within 16.5 month (150% of planned program length) (DIonly).

Of graduates who seek employment, at least 80% are employed in nutrition and dietetics orrelated fields within 12 months of graduation

At least 80% of program graduates take the CDR credentialing exam for dietitian nutritionist within 12 months of program completion

The program's one-year pass rate (graduates who pass the registration exam within one year of the first attempt on the CDR credentialing exam for dietitian nutritionists is at least 80%.

At least 90% of 1st employers following program completion will rate graduates competent or better in professional areas measured (3 out of 5).

At least 90% of alumni (those who graduated > 1 year prior to survey) will rate WMU's ability to meet Goal 1 > 3 out of 5.

At least 80% of recent graduates (< 1 month post completion) will rate WMU's program as having atleast "met expectations, am satisfied with the match" (>4 of 5)

Of those who found employment within 12 months of graduation, > 60% will be employed in Michigan

At least 90% of alumni (those who graduated > 1 year prior to survey) will rate WMU's ability to meet Goal 2 as > 3 out of 5.

**Program outcomes data available upon request

Academic credit is earned during the internship. Graduate classes:Summer II

FCS 6010 Basic Research Methods and Design, three credit hours

Fall semester

FCS 6140 Nutrient Metabolism I, three credit hoursFCS 6230 Practicum (Internship), three credit hours

Spring semester

FCS 6150 Nutrient Metabolism II, three credit hoursFCS 6230 Practicum (internship), three credit hours

Summer I

FCS 6900, Seminar in FCS, three credit hours

Those who complete the internship and above 18 graduate credits have an additional five years to complete the master's.  However, they must take and pass the credentialing exam to become a registered dietitian nutritionist before January 1, 2024 if they have not yet earned their master's by then. After January 1, 2024, students will be required to complete the master's degree in order to be eligible to take the credentialing exam to become a registered dietitian nutritionist. This can be done at Western Michigan University. 

Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2190Chicago, IL 60606-6695(800) 877-1600 (ext. 5400)

Handbook

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